Double Jab – How to Box (Quick Video)

Once you have mastered the jab, you are now ready to double it up.

Once you have mastered the jab, you are now ready to double it up. It’s easy to defend against a single jab so by mixing up your jabs with singles, doubles or even triples and changing the quickness and the power you can create confusion for your opponent.

It doesn’t matter if your opponent blocks the first jab, just follow straight through and try and land with the 2nd jab. If your 2nd jabs lands successfully, plant your feet and throw your power hand (this is your right hand if you are fighting Orthodox or your left hand if you are in a South Paw stance).

When I show students how to move with the jab I like to teach them the way that I was taught when I first started boxing, (the same way I moved and jab throughout my career) which is to move at the same time as jabbing, so, as you launch the jab you are also pushing from the back foot simultaniously, taking small steps towards your opponent – I find the jab can often disguise the movement in, and if you are landing the jabs, you are close enough to your opponent to start throwing in your combinations.

Some trainers do teach to move first, then jab, which does have its benefits as you can set yourself for harder punches. However, I find this can restrict your movement around the ring and can telegragh your punches, but it’s always worth trying it. What suits me, might not suit you and boxing ultimately is about individuality, if we all fight the same, boxing would be incredibly boring to watch.

One of my favourite ways to use the double jab is when you are backing up. If you are being rushed by an opponent, simply move backwards by pushing off of your front foot and double jab simultaniously to stop them in their tracks or slow them down. You really only want to do this with a maximum of 2 jabs as if you keep moving back in a straight line you will inevitably end up on the ropes – so I go back with a double jab then move left or right (depending on my opponents stance and their power hand).

It’s important to practise moving in all directions with your double jab (with all jabs). Practise the double jab with lateral movement – left, right, forward and back. Practise the double jab 45ø forward and back too. Then double jab whilst pivoting on the front foot (clockwise and counter-clockwise).

Practice all the different jabs in sparring and have fun with it – work out what works for you. Remember if you are shadow boxing, don’t put too much power into your jab or over-extend your arm as you can damage your elbow.